Call for action on Flukeys rats

By [jcooper]

LANDLADY Carol Noblett has unwelcome visitors at her Barnstaple pub — rats.

The publican claims the rodents live under a nearby bush — and says Devon County Council isn't doing enough to stop them.

Carol, 50 from Barnstaple, has been landlady at Flukeys pub on Princess Street for the past three years.

She says that a nearby area covered in bushes, maintained by Devon County Council, has become a breeding ground for rats, some of which have been spotted in the pub.

She said: "It's been an ongoing problem and frankly it's disgusting.

"I have contacted environmental health about the issue and officers have come out to take photos.

"The piece of land is owned by Devon County Council and while I have tried my hardest to get them to turf or pave over the area, they have made the decision not to do anything about it."

Carol says that the problem is affecting her trade at the bar and she has started a petition with both customers and nearby residents.

She said: "I'm trying to run a business here and it's not very good for trade, especially during a recession when pubs are struggling anyway.

"There are also houses and a school nearby.

"If the council did agree to pave or turf the area, I would be happy to maintain it — anything to stop these rats coming in."

A Devon County Council spokesman said: "Pest control experts have told us that the problem with the rats is the result of food waste being left by passers by around the bushes.

"We and North Devon Council are working together to keep on top of the problem, ensuring that the litter and waste is regularly removed.

"The site, which has been treated for rats on a number of occasions previously, has been treated again this weekend and we will continue to monitor the situation."